MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers on May 1st, announced three appointments to the University of Wisconsin (UW) Board of Regents naming Regents Tom Palzewicz, Linda Terwilliger, and Noah Fritz. The appointments fill the vacancies created by the expiration of three former appointees’ terms that expire May 1, 2025.

“We are in a make-or-break moment for our UW System and institutions of higher education across the state, so these appointments come at a critical juncture as we continue to advocate for strengthening and investing in our UW System and advocating for a robust budget that finally recognizes the importance of UW campuses to our state’s economy and future success,” said Gov. Evers. “I’m incredibly grateful for the leadership and dedication of Regents Colón, Peterson, and Jenkins, and wish them the very best as they conclude their service on the Board. I’m also excited about the individuals joining the Board today, who bring a wealth of different expertise and perspectives to the Regents at an important time. We are excited to welcome Tom, Linda, and Noah to the Board, and I look forward to the ideas, insights, and experiences each of them brings to the table.”

Palzewicz’s appointment for a term that expires May 1, 2032 fills the vacancy created by the expiration of Regent Héctor Colón’s term. Born and raised in Southeast Wisconsin, Palzewicz graduated from Brown Deer High School and briefly attended UW-Madison before joining the U.S. Navy. Following his return home after six years in the Navy, Palzewicz attended UW-Milwaukee and received a degree in accounting. Palzewicz then went on to lead a 15-year career in risk management, with regional banks including Firstar, Marshall & Ilsley, Associated Bank, and  U.S. Bank. Palzewicz later discovered a passion for people, growth, and development and went on to invest in a business coaching franchise, helping not only businesses but people to change and grow. Palzewicz is now a business/executive coach and management trainer with 20 years of experience. A photo of Palzewicz is available here.

“As graduate myself and the parent of proud UW System students, I can attest that the success of our UW System has far-reaching benefits that result in the success of our communities, our economy, and our workforce,” said Palzewicz. “These institutions are key to inspiring the future leaders, changemakers, and innovators that shape the future, and I look forward to being a part of the work to drive this positive progress.”

Terwilliger’s appointment for a term that expires May 1, 2032, fills the vacancy created by the expiration of Regent Cris Peterson’s term. After growing up in a small farm community in Northeastern Ohio, Terwilliger graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University, after which she accepted an internship in UW-Madison’s Master of Arts in Teaching English program. She then moved to Wausau, where she taught at various schools, including UW-Stevens Point at Wausau, formerly UW-Marathon County, and UW-Stevens Point. For the last 15 years of her career, she taught International Baccalaureate English at Wausau East High School. A photo of Terwilliger is available here.

“I look forward to bringing my years of first-hand classroom experience to our work as a board,” said Terwilliger. “Supporting our kids ’ success at every level, from grade school to college and beyond, is of the utmost importance to the future of our state, and I believe that together, we can strengthen the systems that help students realize their dreams here in Wisconsin.”

Fritz’s appointment for a term that expires May 1, 2027, fills the vacancy created by the expiration of Student Regent Audrey Jenkins’s term. Born in Central Wisconsin, Fritz is a student at UW-Milwaukee pursuing a degree in actuarial science. He currently works in the life insurance industry for Allianz Life.  A photo of Fritz is available here.

“As a student and active member of the workforce, I believe I can bring a unique perspective of the modern student experience to the board,” said Fritz. “I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the decision-making process to uplift students, faculty, and our UW System institutions as a whole.”  

Wis. Stat. 15.91 requires the UW Board of Regents to be comprised of at least one member from each of the state’s congressional districts. As Regents Colón and Peterson resided in the 5th and 7th Congressional Districts, respectively, the appointments of Regents Palzewicz and Terwilliger ensure continued compliance with Wisconsin state law. Each of the other congressional districts are represented by existing appointments.